Cuban Missile in Reds bullpen from outset

GOODYEAR, Ariz.
— When he finished throwing pitches at nearly triple-digit speeds, left-hander Aroldis Chapman exchanged his Cincinnati Reds jersey for a T-shirt that featured a two-word motto: “Wreak Havoc.”

He’ll get the chance to do that right from the start this season.

The Cuban defector will be a vital part of the Reds bullpen, helping to replace set-up man Arthur Rhodes. He was called up late last season and dazzled the majors with a fastball clocked at a record 105 mph, earning the nickname “Cuban Missile.”

He’s more comfortable in camp this year, readily joking with teammates. Chapman is much further along in adjusting to a new culture and language. The Reds are going slowly with the 22-year-old pitcher, who will move him into the rotation eventually.